A 67-year-old elderly man tragically lost his life after being struck by his own car, which suddenly rolled backwards at a house in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor on Wednesday.
Hulu Selangor district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Ibrahim Husin, said authorities received a report regarding the incident at around 5.30pm.
Initial investigations revealed that the incident happened at approximately 5.18pm when the victim had parked his vehicle inside the garage of his home before stepping out to close the gate.
However, the car reportedly began reversing on its own and crashed into the victim, causing him to fall and become trapped underneath the vehicle. The heartbreaking incident has shocked many, as such accidents can happen in just seconds if safety precautions are overlooked.
Police believe the victim may have forgotten to engage the handbrake. Investigations also found that the garage area was built on a sloping surface descending towards the gate, which likely caused the vehicle to roll backwards.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe head injuries. His body was later transported to Hospital Kuala Kubu Baharu for a post-mortem examination.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Members of the public with information related to the incident are urged to contact Investigating Officer Inspector Nurul Anati Zulkifli at 03-6064 1222 to assist investigations.
Meanwhile, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said firefighters assisted in removing the victim, who was pinned beneath a Proton Saga.
A total of five firefighters from the Bukit Sentosa Fire and Rescue Station were involved in the operation after arriving at the scene at 5.43pm.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder for motorists to always ensure their vehicles are securely parked, especially in sloped areas, to avoid unforeseen accidents.
